the rush of many feet had swept her a little to one side. She looked
frightened now, and almost ready to cry. Still, William noticed that
her chin was lifted bravely, and that she was making a stern effort at
self-control. He hesitated a moment, then went straight toward her.

"I beg your pardon," he said kindly, lifting his hat, "but I notice that
you have been waiting here some time. Perhaps there is something I can
do for you."

A rosy color swept to the girl's face. Her eyes lost their frightened
appeal, and smiled frankly into his.

"Oh, thank you, sir! There IS something you can do for me, if you will
be so kind. You see, I can't leave this place, I'm so afraid he'll
come and I'll miss him. But--I think there's some mistake. Could you
telephone for me?" Billy Neilson was country-bred, and in Hampden Falls
all men served all other men and women, whether they were strangers or
not; so to Billy this was not an extraordinary request to make, in the
least.

William Henshaw smiled.

"Certainly; I shall be very glad to telephone for you. Just tell me whom
you want, and what you want to say."

"Thank you. If you'll call up Mr. William Henshaw, then, of Beacon
Street, please, and tell him Billy's come. I'll wait here."

"Oh, then Billy did come!" cried the man in glad surprise, his face
alight. "But where is he? Do YOU know Billy?"